If you're looking for titallation or erotica - move along. You're not going to get it in this book. Yes, there are a few explicit sex scenes, but they're told in such a clinical matter that they're anything but arousing.
Albert, a Harvard medical student, was granted access to the women of the Nevada's (legal) brothels to conduct research on condom use and ended up living on site at the infamous Mustang Ranch. Albert began her research on condom use but her time at Mustang lead to this book and an anthropological/sociological assessment of these women's lives. During her stay at Mustang, the women slowly begin to open up to Albert and in this book she paints a portrait that dispells many of the stereotypes society has of prostitutes.
All in all, I found this an interesting read and came to regard the women of Mustang as just another group of those trying to make a living as best they could. Whatever side of the fence you are on in regards to the legalisation of prostitution, this book will challenge any preconcieved notions about the woman who choose this life.
Albert, a Harvard medical student, was granted access to the women of the Nevada's (legal) brothels to conduct research on condom use and ended up living on site at the infamous Mustang Ranch. Albert began her research on condom use but her time at Mustang lead to this book and an anthropological/sociological assessment of these women's lives. During her stay at Mustang, the women slowly begin to open up to Albert and in this book she paints a portrait that dispells many of the stereotypes society has of prostitutes.
All in all, I found this an interesting read and came to regard the women of Mustang as just another group of those trying to make a living as best they could. Whatever side of the fence you are on in regards to the legalisation of prostitution, this book will challenge any preconcieved notions about the woman who choose this life.
Helpful Score: 4
This is a very interesting book about legalized prostitution in Nevada. It puts a very human face on a profession that is often dehumanized. It really makes one thing about the absurdity of making the "world's oldest profession" illegal in the first place.
Helpful Score: 3
I have to say that I was completely fascinated by this peek behind the scenes at a legal brothel.
Some of the stuff was surprising and some was depressing. It is not full of pornography. If you are looking for sex, you are going to have to look someplace else.
It's a pretty good mix betweeen her scholarly opinion and her personal feelings.
I highly recommend.
Some of the stuff was surprising and some was depressing. It is not full of pornography. If you are looking for sex, you are going to have to look someplace else.
It's a pretty good mix betweeen her scholarly opinion and her personal feelings.
I highly recommend.
Helpful Score: 2
This book is more sociology than erotica - an insider's perspective on one of the most curious and taboo jobs in this country. Very interesting, and a quick read. This book will challenge anyone's preconceived notions about prostitution and brothel life.
Helpful Score: 2
This was a fascinating book about the brothel industry and what went on behind the scenes at the Mustang Ranch.
Helpful Score: 2
This book is fascinating - a clear and honest take on the author's time spent at the Mustang Ranch, and the research she conducted with legalized prostitution insiders. No matter what your views on prostitution, this book will make you examine them more closely. Highly recommended!
Helpful Score: 2
I thought this was a very interesting look at brothel prostitution in Nevada. It covered some of the history, the politics, etc., as well as the stories of the women who work in the brothels and some of the customers. The author lived at the Mustang Ranch for brief periods on and off over several years in order to get a unique perspective on the lives of the prostitutes and their customers. This book made me think and question more about the issue of legal prostitution and the different aspects of it. From the book: "However disturbing the idea of commercial sex may be to some of us, it's naive to believe that prostitution can ever be eliminated."
Very fascinating reading!
Very fascinating reading!
Helpful Score: 1
A book that I kept on my shelf because it was that good. Finally realized I probably wouldn't read it again because I have so many other that I want to read s I and wanted to pass on for someone else. Note my 5 star rating!
Gives a look into the brothel live by a medical student who was doing a health study there.
Gives a look into the brothel live by a medical student who was doing a health study there.
Fascinating content, so glad I got it!! I am lending it to all my social work classmates.
Interesting reading, but kind of dry.
i found this book very entertaining and interesting. it changed the way i looked at some things. alexa albert provides some very sensitive and pointed observations about brothels and humanizes those who work there.
Interesting true story about the women living and working in the brothels of Nevada.
If you are looking for a porn or erotic book, this isn't it. This is a sociological study on the legal prostitutes
at Mustang Ranch. It is very interesting, especially for those interesting in sociology. I highly recommend this book!
at Mustang Ranch. It is very interesting, especially for those interesting in sociology. I highly recommend this book!
I didn't even know we still had brothels in this country. As long as there are men we will need brothels. I was glad to know at what leghth they go to keep themselves healthy. They should get more money and not be looked at so ugly.
Stories from the oldest working profession.
Brothel: Mustang Ranch and Its Women is a foray into the world of legalized brothel prostitution in Nevada. Originally interested in the public health implications of HIV transmission and condom breakage, Alexa Albert became interested in the social dimensions of brothel prostitution, ultimately spending the equivalent of seven months living in and observing Mustang Ranch during breaks from Harvard Medical School. Brothel is a sympathetic narration of her experiences with the prostitutes and other workers at the Ranch, as well as background on its history and perception by outsiders. Except for two "parties" which the author was invited to watch, there is nothing sexually explicit. Indeed, there weren't any firm conclusions about the institution either in this very readable account.
